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North Habitat members find satisfaction in ‘doing something real’

Student chapter of Habitat for Humanity has raised funds, helped build 10 homes

They’re up early, attending meetings before school, and spend their Saturdays wielding hammers, painting and hanging siding at home sites. But they’re paid back for all that hard work, they say, once they watch a family accept the keys to their new home.

“When you go to a build, and you see everybody coming together, and you see this family dedicated to their house, even though we get up early and give up our Saturdays, it’s totally worth it to see the effect it has,” North senior and Habitat co-vice-president Caitlin Diekhoff said. “All that work you did was for a purpose.”

Club sponsor and teacher Pat Wilson said the chapter will build its 11th home this fall. Founded in 1998, the North chapter received its official independent status in 2000 and works alongside the Monroe County chapter. Students raise about $30,000 for each house, she said, and provide workers and meals at build sites.

“We’re doing something real ... something that will be sustainable after you’re gone,” Wilson said, recalling how she got involved after being approached by students asking about volunteer work that would leave a mark in the community. “Sometimes, you don’t know how good you’ve got it until you see how others live. This is a watershed experience in their lives. ... Now they feel empowered to go out there, and make a difference in the human condition. It becomes part of their moral fiber.”

North senior and chapter co-president Alex St. John described her experiences with the organization as “powerful,” while fellow senior and co-president Meredith Pelrine admitted being a little “stressed out” when she first helped install siding.

“That’s the part you see,” she said, angst over the memory washing over her face. “I didn’t want to make this house for this person not attractive. But the Habitat staff is really good, and they explain stuff. ... And at the end, you can say, ‘I did this.’”

The student chapter raises the funds needed to build homes through a variety of means, including yard sales, music nights, “rake-a-thons” and an annual silent auction/benefit dinner. All funds raised go toward building homes, Wilson said, and reminded those unfamiliar with Habitat that partner families participate in building their homes and also pay interest-free mortgages.

Habitat chapter

www.bhsnhabitat.com.

Bloomington High School North Habitat for Humanity chapter co-president Meredith Pelrine, left, and Will Liao frame a wall for a future home Saturday at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market during an event sponsored by the Habitat chapter. Monty Howell | Herald-Times

Volunteers and Bloomington High School North students frame walls Saturday at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. The walls will be used in a local home built by North’s student chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Monty Howell | Herald-Times

Copyright: HeraldTimesOnline.com 2011